DPTKatie.com
Dr. Katie van den Heuvel, PT, PAM-MC
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy for North Carolina and Florida, my patients appreciate the warmth, professional integrity, and open communication that define my treatments. I’m determined to help my patients and their families and caregivers understand their health and physical needs so they can be well informed when making important health decisions.
I treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as addressing vestibular issues such as dizziness, and concussions. I am also a Performing Arts Medicine Physical Therapist, specializing in dance. Telehealth visits allow you to perform better with the convenience of getting treatment at home, work, the gym, or the dance studio, without the hassle of long commutes or crowded waiting rooms.
For more information, feel free to contact me by email at ,
or by text or phone at 561-412-5404.
Dance Medicine
and
Performing Arts Medicine
Perform Better
Dizziness
and
Vestibular Therapy
Get Your Balance Back
Concussion Recovery and Vestibular Oculo Motor Retraining
See Yourself Again
Jaw Pain
and
TMD
Smile With Ease
Orthopedics
and
Injury Management
The Care You Deserve
Torticollis
and
Pediatric Ortho/Vestibular
The Skills to Play
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I love helping my patients -and you- feel healthy and happy.
News & Resources
9 Things You Should Know About Pain
Author: Joseph Brence, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, COMT, DAC
1. Pain is output from the brain. While we used to believe that pain originated within the tissues of our body, we now understand that pain does not exist until the brain determines it does. The brain uses a virtual “road map” to direct an output of pain to tissues that it suspects may be in danger. This process acts as a means of communication between the brain and the tissues of the body, to serve as a defense against possible injury or disease.
2. The degree of injury does not always equal the degree of pain. Research has demonstrated that we all experience pain in individual ways. While some of us experience major injuries with little pain, others experience minor injuries with a lot of pain (think of a paper cut).
Read more here!
Professor Goes From Physical Therapy Skeptic to Believer
At first when Patty had knee pain she would literally “shake it off.” But after a while, the pain in her left leg was too much to ignore.
Patty could barely walk. Even standing was painful, which was problematic for a professor who needed to stand for hours during classes.
Patty walked for exercise, enjoyed taking Zumba classes, and she had a trip to Europe planned. So when she learned that she had osteoarthritis, Patty felt “shocked, depressed, and old.” When an MRI showed degenerative meniscal tears, Patty wondered if she would be able to continue to do the things she loved.
Her doctor recommended physical therapy, but Patty was skeptical.
Read more here!
How Direct Access to Physical Therapy Works
Direct access refers to the ability of patients to be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without being referred by a doctor or other healthcare practitioner. If you feel you have a problem that may benefit from the skilled services of a physical therapist, you may be able to refer yourself to physical therapy for treatment. Sometimes direct access is called self-referral.
In the United States, provisions for physical therapy services are governed by each individual state through a "state-practice" act. The practice act is legislation that outlines how physical therapy services will be delivered. Historically, each state's practice act provided that physical therapy services would be provided only if ordered by a licensed physician or another licensed healthcare practitioner. Each state lists different professionals who may refer patients to physical therapy, including podiatrists, dentists, and nurse practitioners.
Read more here!